Free-For-All Friday 8/9/13
Decatur Metro | August 9, 2013Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not yet discussed here over the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not yet discussed here over the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
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Consider registering for the KP Corporate Run/Walk and be part of Team Decatur! Info at decaturga.com/teamdecatur. The registration fee goes up after August 12th.
Please post any recommendations for the following:
1. Contractor to do a full kitchen renovation (including removal of walls)
2. Someone to build stone retaining walls.
Thanks y’all!
For the stone walls, call Dan Webber 770-714-0534. He’s a skilled mason who has done a lot of work in Druid Hills and Decatur. He rebuilt our front steps and did our down-to-the-studs bathroom renovation, so he may be up for your kitchen re-do, too.
+1 on Dan Weber. He is an artisan. Great, great work.
We are knee deep in a kitchen renovation with Greenehead Construction and couldn’t be happier. No budget surprises (other than our finish choices … ouch) and they will be finishing well ahead of schedule. Call Jennifer Greene at (404) 578-4070 or http://www.greenehead.com.
We’re working with Attention to Detail, adding a sunroom, new roof, exterior painting, new laundry room. I know they do a lot of kitchens. I’m loving these guys – extremely professional, constant communication from day 1, very neat – they clean up the worksite every single day, very conscientious about making sure our pets don’t escape, they listen to my concerns, their subcontractors are very good.
We are exactly in the middle of our several-months-long project , we are living in the house while it’s going on and I have not once thought “I want to strangle that guy”.
Website is http://atdremodel.com
Home Forge (office in East decatur Station) specializes in kitchen remodels. They blew out several walls in our 100+ year house and managed to fix different floor levels, rotten joists and a maze of roof lines into a single kitchen space.
Bruce Mueller’s specialty is not starting until all materials, cabinets and appliances are in hand, on your site in a trailer to make the down time go fast. His crew is multi-talented. Only the electrical and wood floors were outsourced, so no waiting for sub contractors.
404.371.0102
Parents, now would probably be a good time to discuss bike safety. I was walking back from escorting my youngest to school when I witnessed a kid, probably 15 or 16, come racing downhill on the sidewalk. He got distracted and hit someone’s planter, and he went flying over his handlebars. He said his was fine, but he could have easily been seriously injured (or injured one of the other people near him).
A teenager should not be riding on the sidewalk at all. It might seem safer, but most of our streets are in better shape than the sidewalks, and a kid is more likely to be hit by a car backing out of its driveway (or an immobile planter in this case) than a car driving down the road.
I think the child I saw will probably learn from the embarrassment of wiping out in front of a middle aged lady and a the other people who were nearby. But your kid might not be so lucky.
Thanks.
Except for young children, riding on the sidewalk is illegal anyway.
True. But I admit I do it in limited circumstances like up hills on Scott Boulevard (which is a scary place for bikes anyway), and I think the autos appreciate on that road. I am also a car driver and I understand the frustrations bikes can cause, but I pull over and give way if I encounter pedestrians when I use the sidewalks on my bike. I am an equal opportunity frustrator but I try to limit this as best I can.
On a related note (and not one I’ve seen here yet), Decatur is requesting input on speed limit updates for city streets. You can check out the study and offer online commentary via a surveymonkey link here: http://www.decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=698
Public input session is scheduled for August 14th at City Hall at 6pm.
Thanks for the reminder about this!
i’m a cyclist who thinks that streets should be shared and that bikes belong everywhere, but
riding on ponce is just plain dumb. cars go way to fast, the lanes are way too small, there are too many potholes, and there are too many turns for anyone to expect to ride on it and come out unscathed. it won’t be your fault that you got hit, but it’ll be your skin and bones that will hurting.
Ponce has bike lanes and magically protective sharrows (I kid!) depending on the segment you are discussing. I don’t ride Ponce that much but Scott is way scarier, which is why I use the sidewalk if I must use it to scoot over to other areas.
I also ride completely covered in bubble wrap. Very safe and makes a cool sound when pedaling.
Describing the section on Ponce along Deepdene and Linear Parks, I believe. Very scenic, tragically abused by (how to be charitable?) speeding vehicles. There is an offstreet trail suitable for bikes through Deepdene Park and the Presidential Path leading to Candler Park is accessible after crossing the street where this ends.
For most trips along that segment of Ponce, I’d recommend biking along McLendon instead.
Except for Mt. McLendon. And crossing the hairy East Lake extension of Ponce.
Thank you for posting – I will be having a follow up conversion with my teenager on appropriate bike riding today. Hope he had his bike helmet on.
Can anyone recommend a local piano teacher for a 4th grader?
We really like Jeff Holt – 404-357-1707
Our 4th-grade son and 2nd grade daughter have been very happy with Nick Edelstein, http://www.nickedelstein.com/
Play More Music Melissa Sebel (404) 589-9985
info at http://playmoremusic.com/
Hi Jason,
Barbara Brown is a talented musician and very experienced teacher.
http://atlantasuzukipiano.org/teacher/barbara-brown
BryanA
We are replacing two water heaters with a new unit.
Does anyone have a recommendation on what company to use?
Call Shane Dobbs, best price and best service. 404-604-8418
Have you looked into the tankless water heaters?
There is unlimited hot water although for a two-story house, we had to install a circulator to get it started before we hop in the shower.
IT actually uses less water and energy than the tanks, and less chance of malfunction (e.g. floods.)
We used Affordable Advantage Home Repair with great results. Not the lowest price option but very professional service.
Phil Minkoff 770-978-1937
Any recommendations for pinestraw delivery? Thanks!
Northlake Pinestraw
Intown Ace will deliver!
Nice set of tire tracks in the new median on Northern yesterday.
I’ll bet that hurt!
Don’t you just love it when you buy one or two items at a store and the register tape is a foot and a half or or two feet long?
Ha! I was just thinking the same thing yesterday.
CVS seems to excel at this.
So is Rite Aid.
My wife and I are looking for an occasional nanny/sitter for those days/weeks when our toddler’s school is out of session. There are a couple of weeklong breaks throughout the year as well as a few teacher workshops (a day here and there throughout the year). Some of the breaks coincide with City of Decatur breaks, some don’t. We are planning on sharing the nanny with another family whose child attends the same school so it would be two kids, both (currently) between 18 months and 2 years old. Location would be either at our house or the other family’s house; both of us live here in Decatur.
Any recommendations or advice on where to look or advertise?
Viel Glück!
Remember those days well. Your best bet for off session days/weeks is one of the teachers at the school since you know they are off and that they are well-trained and can handle toddlers. But that strategy won’t work for teacher work days. It’s not easy to find sporadic daytime babysitters. You are smart to use local listservs, blogs, bulletin boards, etc. as a way to get word of mouth going. Also consider relatives, switching off with other parents, taking leave,
I’ve posted an ad on Sittercity.com and had some great candidates. None have met my needs thus far (I just need one day/week for 4 hours consistently), but there are plenty of great people looking for more hours. They do background checks, even check the DMV records, and apparently the process of posting a profile is long enough to keep those who are not serious away.
I also posted on Care.com (the TV ads got me!) and haven’t had as good candidates. Maybe this is why:
http://www.donotfaint.com/a-nannys-advice-to-parents-part-2-looking-for-a-babysitter-online/
Good luck!
How would one reach you, concerned citizen or worthless German? I have a lot of work, but it is at home on the computer and an occasional break might be just the thing for me. I’m finding myself as a first time empty nester so the combination of that and working long hours at home could open up some opportunities. Couldn’t do a ton, but it doesn’t seem like you’re looking for that either.
“first time empty nester”
Curious words – are you expecting them to return so you can do this all over again?
Haha! Noooooo! Please don’t let there be a round two of this.
Intervention therapy
empty nester. (period)
empty nester. (period)
empty nester. (period)
NO quantification
We found that changing the locks helps! lol
Sarah – Send me your contact info. .
The dog and I were out for our morning walk and noticed a mom with six kids (dressed for school/with backpacks) walking down Scott Blvd in the direction of CSD CO (the old Westchester school building). Given the time 8:30ish, I wondered we they were headed – Fernbank (has not started and is in a temp location at the old Avondale Middle school) and CSD schools all have a start time before 8:30 I believe. Wondered where she/they were headed as they turned in to the CO drive…potentially 6 more students to our CSD enrollment.
I’ve been thinking about the post earlier in the week about residential/commercial assessments, and the accompanying graph showing the total value of residential property being $1Billion in Decatur. Compare this, for the same price, to the new Falcon’s Stadium. Which is a better investment: 4,000 households in a vibrant, dynamic community, or a structure to protect millionaires (the players) from being exposed to the elements while playing a game?
That structure is much more for the fans that the players – they want to create a game day “experience” (where you don’t mind overpaying for tickets and everything else). And, the vast majority of the players are not millionaires. But, keep on drinking the koolaid!
The NFL minimum salary for rookies is $420,000 per year. This doesn’t include endorsements, etc. The majority of them are millionaires.
Only b/c I am stuck at my desk for a few minutes waiting on something, I will bite.
The average NFL career is something like 3 years. Triple that salary and the GROSS earnings are approx. $1.3mm over 3 years. By the time you deduct taxes (with those earning, taxes are substantial), agent fees, etc., at best, the player will take home half. In this case, roughly $650k over 3 years. From that figure, you have to deduct living expenses for the 3 years. So, even assuming we are talking about the most frugal and responsible (which doesn’t categorize the majority of these young players), they are not millionaires.
The NFL salary cap is $123mm. After you deduct $20mm for your QB, $8 to $10 mill for a handful of other stars (regardless of the position), you have an average of somewhere north of $1m for the remaining players on the rosters. Again, deduct taxes and agent fees, you are well short of a million per year. Then you deduct living expenses, $100k+cars, etc., the majority of these guys aren’t millionaires (at least for long).
Don’t get me a wrong, there are many millionaires in the NFL (and even those making the minimum are very well compensated), but they are the select few. And it is only those select few who receive endorsements (except for Tebow of course). When was the last time you saw a 2nd year, 2nd string lineman paid to pitch someone’s product?
But, this is all moot. The stadiums are built for the fans (and the owners’ egos (Jerry Jones, are you reading this)). Do you really think Matt Ryan would have refused to re-sign with the Falcons if they weren’t building a new stadium.
Thanks for the analysis, you are obviously much more versed in these things than I am. I gave up following professional sports decades ago. But my question remains the same, which is a better investment in the community? And please don’t trudge out those inflated numbers on the economic impact that a Super Bowl has on the the local businesses (talk about a cushy job, come up with a best case analysis that no one ever questions!)
Full disclosure, if the Falcons choose the north alternative site, my company could make millions on the environmental cleanup.
What I think is being overlooked with the new stadium is the possibility that we are at “peak football”. I’m predicting a long-term decline for the sport, based partly on the concussion factor (could get into some other reasons but this is not the forum for that). But hey, maybe soccer will rise up in its place.
Setting aside the fact that your post seems designed to accomplish little beyond stigmatizing sports and their fans as somehow antithetical to a healthy community, and sadly closed-minded assumptions about sports in general, I’m curious how you propose it would work to take $1 billion and magically convert it into a community like Decatur? It’s not the money or the houses themselves that produce a Decatur. There are a million different forces at work over decades that result in the community we enjoy. Acting like there’s a pile of money sitting there (which is not the case here) and it can either be used to build an EEEEEVIL football stadium full of money-grubbing jocks OR an erudite, vibrant cultural landmark like Decatur is kind of sad in its misguided simplicity.
Believe it or not, it IS possible to be both a sports fan (or — GASP — a professional athlete) and still be a decent, thoughtful, civic-minded human being.
Ok, so I was being a little dramatic. I just don’t see the need for a new stadium when the current one is only 20 years old. Would you tear down a functioning house just to build a new one that looks prettier? I guess my answer would classify me as Old Decatur.
That depends on the Falcons record next January.
New stadiums are not for the millionaires (players) they are for the billionaires (owners.)
Apologies if this has already been asked and answered, but does anyone know what is going on with the first block of Forkner Drive off of church street? It looks like they are tearing down two, possibly three perfectly nice houses in a line which suggests some kind of complex – thoughts?
The word is three to five houses are being built there. Not a complex of any kind. And I’m pretty sure at least one of them would have needed major repairs to be habitable.
Why are all of these old houses suddenly “perfect”? Yesterday, they were “perfectly good” and now they are “perfectly nice”. I live in one of these older homes, and while I can appreciate their charm, they are far from “perfect”. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that many of these homes don’t fit today’s lifestyles; similar to the 1950s homes in Decatur being modeled very differently than the 1920s or earlier homes due to a change in needs and desires. Plus, there are a lot of old houses that are in a serious state of disrepair.
I only meant “perfectly nice” from the standpoint that they were not obvious tear-downs like the one around the corner on Glendale (which did get town down). It just seemed weird that that they all sold within a short span of each other and then the orange construction fencing went up around all three and it looked like they were taking them down as opposed to doing a reno job, so I was curious as to what was going on.
Of course, the new houses are very far from perfect. With a few exceptions, they are being slapped up with little to no quality craftsmanship and in 10-15 years, serious problems will start to develop. My foreign, construction industry husband – who was trained in and brought up in a country where standards and codes are very different – is constantly amazed and horrified by these “wonderful” new houses and the quality of the building.
Half price day today at GIANT INDOOR YARD SALE at my church, UUCA, near Decatur.
ALL ITEMS HALF PRICE Friday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
From 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 10,a small plastic bag of items will sell for $2 and a large bag, for $5.
Items for sale include books and media, electronics, housewares, linens, furniture, jewelry, sports and exercise equipment, linens, toys, art, luggage, yard and garden equipment, tools, office equipment, and healthcare supplies. No clothing, shoes or accessories, or major appliances at this sale. For more information about the sale, email yardsale AT uuca.org
Address: 1597 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta 30329
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta at 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta, GA,.is a community of faith that encourages and supports the individual spiritual quests of its members, who share a respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person and a commitment to social justice.
I’m a little nonplussed to have read the comments regarding a “new vs. old Decatur” distinction in yesterday’s post regarding the party in the cemetery. Is this actually an issue to which fellow Decaturites give much thought? Until now, I have been genuinely unaware of this division and now have an impish curiosity as to whether anyone actually gives this matter the time of day.
I myself don’t divide things into “new vs. old Decatur,” and I haven’t heard others do so either. But I moved into Oakhurst 10 years ago, and things in Oakhurst (and Decatur more generally) have changed a lot in that time, even more if you go back 20 or 30 years, from what I’ve heard. A lot of people do give those changes the time of day.
I was similarly caught off guard by this distinction and find it more than a little obnoxious. The two times I’ve seen the term raised have been by people who clearly see themselves in the “old Decatur” camp, invoking “new Decatur” as a dismissive term.
You’re either part of this community or you’re not. We don’t need to start creating artificial class distinctions based on — well, what exactly? Lord knows society presents with enough superficial divisions to work around as it is.
Agree with this. Dividing into 2 artificial camps isn’t helpful.
I also agree and find it more than a little comical; in fact, I actually laughed aloud to myself after reading the terms — maybe that means I’m new Decatur? I’m not generally one to stir the pot but it’s a slow Friday and I couldn’t resist.
I don’t know what exactly was meant by that either, although having just moved here this decade, I must be “new Decatur.” I would like to add that I love the word “nonplussed.” I don’t love feeling nonplussed of course, so maybe someone can help clear things up.
A few folks want Decatur to be like it was 30 or more years ago. If it were, most of us won’t be here, so I guess they’d have their way.
“A few folks want Decatur to be like it was 30 or more years ago. If it were, most of us won’t be here, so I guess they’d have their way.”
Amen (secular variety) to that.
Where my folks live in Virginia, there is much made of whether one is a “Born Here” or a “Come Here” and the dividing line is very distinct and there is always an underlying current of distrust etc…
I am hopeful Decatur doesn’t descend into this level of madness.
If it happens, the “born here” don’t have a chance. How many people do you meet in Atlanta that were actually born here?
Obvs that can’t be the set-up here but dividing into “New” vs. “Old” Decatur can be just as undercutting of a true sense of community as any distinction.
Me, for one.
I was born here. I like to amaze newcomers with tales of when the Downtown Connector was four lanes — total — and the Braves stunk. They can’t hardly believe it!
All kidding aside, it would be ridiculous to divide Decatur into new and old. If there’s anything I learned in growing up here, it’s that nothing stays the same for long in the Atlanta area.
I was born here too! I remember when people would leave Braves tickets under windshield wipers of other people’s cars in mall parking lots. They were that bad.
Both of my children.
When you meet a Decaturite for the first time, ask them if they paid “the gold price” or “the iron price” for their home. That should sort things out.
This could be the start of a whole new thread. New vs. Old Decatur:
Old Decatur = Your high schooler had Mr. Billingsley just like you did
New Decatur = You don’t even know what Mr. Billingsley looks like
New Decatur = You bought your house in Oakhurst for $646,000
Old Decatur = You bought your house in Oakhurst for $64,600
Old Decatur = You stayed here for the school system
New Decatur = You moved here for the school system
New Decatur = Your friends envy you for moving to Decatur
Old Decatur = Your friends wondered why you didn’t move to Dunwoody or Alpharetta like they did
etc.
This is interesting, because I come at this from two perspectives. I grew up here. I lived in the area for 30 years, so I went to movies at the old Decatur Theater, remember when there was a true square around the old courthouse, and when Ponce has new car lots (Al Means Ford, Callaway Olds, and Southern Chevrolet). I saw the havoc wrought by the MARTA construction, and the downtown area turned into a virtual ghost town.
Then I moved away for 17 years, came back to Georgia in 2000, settled in Decatur and have been here ever since. I’m here to tell you that “new” Decatur is orders of magnitude better than “old” Decatur, if you define “old” as thirty years ago.
I, too, wonder what’s “new?” 2000 Decatur? 2005 Decatur? 2010 Decatur?
Best I can tell, “Old Decatur” is when I got my piece. “New Decatur” is when you got yours.
That is hilarious – thank you. I am also both new and old Decatur. I lived here from 1980 until 2004, and moved back two years ago. And I agree that new Decatur is generally vastly better than old Decatur. Especially the restaurants. Anybody else remember Square Table?
Yes! The Square Table. I grew up in Toco Hills and for whatever reason my dad would bring us to Decatur to catch MARTA we would always eat at the Square Table so I didn’t complain because I loved coming there.
One of the first places I ordered a steak and felt all grown up….though it probably was a hamburger steak!
It was where 246 is I do believe.
Loved the Square Table and yes it was where 246 is now. My mother used to treat me to lunch there after my orthodontic appointments. The owner lived on my street when I was growing up.
Anyone remember the name of the large southern restaurant that was located, roughly, where Taqueria del Sol is? Southern Star?
I ate there so long ago it almost feels like a dream.
It was the Southern Star and it was where CVS is now. TDS was a gas station (Gulf, I think).
I think there was a car dealer at the current CVS location. I found a reference to the old Southern Star at 231 W PDL, which would be nearer to Ponce Place.
The Southern Star and the car dealership (which was operating as a tech school prior to its demolition) were on the same block but, as I recall, the Southern Star was visible from Commerce with the dealership/school just beyond.
Thanks, guys. Nice to know my mind isn’t shot. Yet.
My favorite old Decatur memory remains the gas station that used to sit at College and S. McDonough, where the (unofficial) 4th of July Fireworks Lawn is now. The old guys that used to run it were the sweetest, Mayberriest gentlemen you’d ever hope to meet.
That station was a true, southern small town relic, and Lord knows how many miles you’d have to drive to find anything like it now.
Square Table hasn’t been gone THAT long!
um, Nellie, Square Table closed about 14 years ago.
let me go make you some soft food, hon.
I seem to remember some time ago a mention of a teenager offering pressure washing services. Do I remember this correctly and if so can someone repost his contact information? Thanks!
I think it was last week’s FFAF or possibly the week before.
Pressure Washing? That’s my son, Jacob. Thanks to the FFAF and our neighbors, he’s been keeping busy.
Text or call him at 404 309-9863
Bruce Miller
Thanks!
We have discovered a good size hole in our front yard that may belong to a snake family or more hopefully bunnies. Any suggestions or referrals for its removal/relocation? We only have a very small front yard for our dog to use. Last night she was too afraid to go to the bathroom in the front yard or to go to sleep!
Becky – I have the some holes in my front yard, and I can tell you it ain’t snakes or bunnies.
It’s rats!! They burrow down to use the old city drainage pipe as a hideout.
I hope it is not the case for you, but we are still dealing with them as we don’t necessarily want to put poison in the hole in case a dog/cat/hawk happens to catch one of the critters.
Our neighbor (god love him) uses a rat trap and he’s caught plenty.
Could also be chipmunks, but I wold guess your dog would not be too afraid of them.
Good luck!
When is someone going to do something about all the rats? I give up on sidewalks, SLTs, schools, new restaurants, crime. I’d be happy to just see the rats go.
I recommend the Rat Zapper (available from Intown Ace Hardware) for all your rat zapping needs. Once we discovered that rats find peanut butter irresistible, our local population has been reduced considerably.
I am offering tutoring services for history and latin (even considering a latin reading group – oh joy!). I’ve advertised on some neighborhood and parenting listservs, but was wondering if anyone had any more ideas? While I love the podcasting show I’m producing (http://www.footnotinghistory.com/) it is more for glory, than gain
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation is holding its first yard sale in a decade. Bargains galore! Sale is INSIDE the church!
ALL ITEMS HALF PRICE Friday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
From 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 10,a small plastic bag of items will sell for $2 and a large bag, for $5.
Items for sale include books and media, electronics, housewares, linens, furniture, jewelry, sports and exercise equipment, linens, toys, art, luggage, yard and garden equipment, tools, office equipment, and healthcare supplies. No clothing, shoes or accessories, or major appliances at this sale. For more information about the sale, email yardsale AT uuca.org
Address: 1597 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta 30329
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta at 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta, GA,.is a community of faith that encourages and supports the individual spiritual quests of its members, who share a respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person and a commitment to social justice.
When does the downtown Decatur Chipotle open? I can hardly wait!
Why is there a seemingly permanent collection of shopping carts piled high with garbage on the sidewalk across from the Kroger on Dekalb Industrial?
For months it has appeared that someone is living in the middle of the sidewalk next to the MARTA bus stop. Any clue why this is allowed?
There is a homeless person living there. It’s been discussed a few times that people have offered her help but she refuses it.
It isn’t allowed, but the alternatives are to cite the person who has nothing to her name or clean up the site and watch her move to another location.
Am I missing some kind of inside joke? We’ve had someone start a FFAF comment on this homeless person’s encampment for like four weeks straight now. How is it that fascinating?
Thanks for the info! I wonder if the live and let live attitude would be the same if she decided to set up shop in from of Oakhurst Market.
Now back to the regularly scheduled unique posts about bicycles on the road, pressure washing, and handyman recommendations!
Haha! Well played, sir. Well played.
Touche.
” I wonder if the live and let live attitude would be the same if she decided to set up shop in from of Oakhurst Market.” — Pretty sure it would not be the same, she’d get encouraged to go elsewhere.
Out of curiosity, what do you think should be done and who should do it? Homeless people have to be somewhere. And mentally ill people have to be somewhere. Since the vast, vast, vast majority can’t be in the hospital, where should they go?
Life is a nightmare for the mentally ill who cannot function in a regular community and a nightmare for their families, if they have them. Insurance coverage runs out quickly and there’s no options that the average middle class family can afford, Even an upper middle class family can go broke trying to get care. And even for the wealthy, there’s not many options out there that work, especially not if the mentally ill person resists care or medication. We definitely do not have this one figured out.
Not all homeless are mentally ill, some are families in bad straights, e.g. an out-of-work mother with several children escaping an abusive relationship. But my guess is that most of the chronically homeless single adults are mentally ill or close to it.
This is a good question STG, I don’t have an answer this is just my experience with seeing her. I posted a question about her here maybe a year or so. Not because I wanted her to move, or didn’t like looking at her (she was by the Scottdale post office at that time), but because it was really cold and I was worried about her. She was in the middle of the road late one night and I was worried about the potential of an accident. I have also wondered about men (sorry guys) taking advantage of her not being fully aware of her surroundings and making her a victim of some kind. I have seen her go from Walgreens to her now current spot recently. I have seen her out on the road talking to herself on many occasions, and I’m really not sure how, but she seems to “live” and get by. As for what can be done? I mean, what exactly should be done? If she’s mentally ill, and doesn’t want help of any sort, I don’t necessarily believe it should be forced on her. If her behavior escalated to something that appeared more aggressive or dangerous, I would change that opinion. But it’s true that people being in the road late at night is dangerous. So i guess I just don’t know.
Saw maybe 2 dozen anti-Walmart folks in front of the old courthouse today. Saw someplace that their most recent lawsuit was going to heard today.
A few things struck me:
1) 2 dozen people does even come close to the 75% of the neighborhood they say is behind their side.
2) The Common Cause folks, who were sure that many thousands of Atlantans were behind their effort to derail the new stadium, have to give up on their petition drive due to lack of signatures. They needed 35,000 and, by all reports, didn’t get a third of that. Methinks there’s a parallel there.
3) Overhearing a few of the conversations they were have with bystanders, they’re still arguing moral issues, not legal ones.
4) I always think it odd when protesters gather in front of any court, much less if the case is being heard 2 blocks away. What they say and do isn’t going to make a difference. The case will be decided inside the courtroom based up the law.
My neighbor got a traffic ticket on Howard Ave by DHS on Wednesday for stopping his car to offer me umbrellas for me and my children as I was walking to pick them up and it was starting to rain. The cop told him he should have pulled around the block and found a parking space.
I have lived in the City of Decatur most of my life. I love Decatur. Decatur is better than this. If Decatur wants to be seen as having “a traditional small-town atmosphere and the sophistication and excitement of a college town”, then neighbors helping neighbors should be supported and encouraged, not ticketed.
Besides, aren’t there a rash of burglaries that need attending to?
My guess is that if you take the time to go to court, it will get tossed. In the meantime, call Capt Boyett and talk to her about it.
I’m pretty sure that cop would have had to add disorderly conduct to the charges if he ticketed me for doing that. You neighbor should absolutely go to the court date and demand that the cop justify this ticket to the judge if the solicitor won’t unilaterally dismiss it given the explanation. I doubt that he or she will be very amused.
Note that applications for the next Decatur Citizens Police Academy are due by September 6. Given the number of posts on DM about crime and our police, several of us might want to take this. I hear it’s good.
They haven’t been the same since Steve Guttenberg left.
The question above about stone work reminded me I’m looking for someone for some cement repair on some steps and walk at my house… I think this is different than stone work?? Had thought of doing some wonderful hardscaping but now thinking just repairing the crack and a quick fix on the steps might be the right choice.
Also – what are the news cameras doing permanently camped out downtown?
A guy repaired my brick & concrete stoop a few years ago and did a good job. (My front steps inexplicably stepped out into the driveway when a friend was backing in a large pickup truck.) I can’t remember the guy’s name but I’m 90% sure I was referred to him by Mathew Morgan, the Oakhurst electrician. If Mathew can’t come up with the name, then I’m completely misremembering.
Wow, good memory. That job was quite a while back.
I believe it was Alvin McNeeley who did your steps. 404-580-2587 Good guy, solid work.
If you prefer to use someone who lives in Oakhurst (and I’m grateful so many of you do), call Peter Coyne 404-966-8292.
Happy Weekend, Oakhurst.
M
No, it wasn’t Alvin. It was a guy who had done some brick work for your parents. (Unless I’ve got you confused with somebody else. in which case, never mind.)
Mathew, do people mention your name and you just appear? Like Bloody Mary?
Andrea Sneiderman trial in the courthouse.
Ah that makes sense. I keep imagining her trial as being up in Dunwoody but of course it would be here.
POT RACKS. Knowledge or experience? Want to install one (ceiling mount) and online reconnaissance indicates I can spend anywhere from $50 to $500. Don’t care about lights or curlicues or fancy finishes, just want it to be sturdy. Will have a professional install (so properly anchored), the question is how much I really need to spend to avoid inferior welds or other functional defects.
Didn’t see the price but there was one at the Habitat for Humanity Restore early in the week. It looked to be pretty heavy duty black iron — bolted together though, not welded.
I installed one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Hard-Anodized-36-Inch-Rack/dp/B000EOM5Q4/ref=sr_1_2/182-5163270-6798053?ie=UTF8&qid=1376110472&sr=8-2&keywords=calphalon+rack. 13 years ago in a sheetrock ceiling, using SUBSTANTIAL toggle bolts. It’s held a full compliment of heavy cookware without incident since day one. Highly recommended!
I have one from Ikea (a wall mount instead of a ceiling mount), and it has worked surprisingly well.
Thanks to unclcharlie, labdad and mrbad for taking the time to respond. I’m thrilled to report the one at the HforH store was still there this morning (even though the folks working there didn’t think they had one–I kept poking around until I found it) and I bought it for $25. No hooks but still a bargain as it seems to be identical to the one labdad has (which I had been eying but couldn’t really afford). That Habitat Restore is a treasure trove!
Wow STG!
While I’m sure you know this is not (yet) legal in Georgia, you have so much that you need a rack? Most people get by with a zip lock bag in a sock drawer…
I’m not sure she appreciates you talking about her rack like that.
Question about trees in the right-of-way in Decatur: who is responsible for preventative maintenance? Case in point is the large tree near the corner of S. McDonough and E. Dougherty St. It’s grossly unbalanced, leaning toward and over the street towards an Agnes Scott building, and has roots jacking up the sidewalk. With frequent storms and falling trees, I feel that this tree needs attention before something serious occurs. I’ve contacted City of Decatur officials two times without a response. Who’s the correct point of contact for issues like this?
David Junger
About the tree question, thanks, Steve. However, I emailed Mr. Junger and got zippo–no reply. I’ll try some other leads mentioned.
Try Amanda Thompson.
You could try the Old Decatur way and call Public Works at 404-377-5571.
I would email either Hugh Saxon or the Asst City Manager – Public Works. They should be able to tell you if it is city tree or private tree. There is also a city arborist I think. I would think Agnes Scott would be concerned as well. Maybe try their groundskeepers.
to the person walking by my house that stopped and picked up trash on the curb…wow! how totally nice and unexpected. what a great idea to walk with bag and pick up the random trash. think I will add that to my walking routine.
to the person that threw the happy meal all over the street last night…really???
I think the difference between Old and New Decatur is exaggerated. I’ve used the terms mostly in jest. But I do feel that there is a lack of respect between those who have lived here for more than ____ years and newcomers. For example, here are some examples of actual conversations between so called Old and New Decaturites from Saturday mornings on Norris Street.
1. Old Decatur man working in the front yard is approached by a young New Decatur dad walking back from his child’s soccer game. ODMan: “Hey, how you doin?” NDD: “Fine. You know, this tree seems to be dead. Looks like it is on the park property. You should contact the city arborist. I bet they would take it down. It could fall any time, maybe on your house.”. ODMan: “You think so?” NDD: “Oh yes. I might contact the city myself.” OD Man: “OK, you do that”, thinking to himself, Who the Hell does this guy think he is! Does he think I’m stupid?’ A better conversation would have been: ODM “Hey, how you doin?” NDD “Great. My boy just won his first soccer game.” ODM “Congrats. Enjoy it while you can.” A conversation based on mutual respect. On another occasion
2. Grumpy Old Decatur man (bad night sleep) working in the front yard is approached by a New Decatur Mom (of course, drop dead gorgeous). GODMan, “How you doin.”. NDM, “Fine. Do you know why the city hasn’t paved this road? I mean, there is a lot of traffic today. Have you even asked the city about paving it?” GODMan, “Lady, you don’t even know my name and you’re asking me personal questions about my relationship with the city. Where are your manners?” NDM, “Oh! Sorry. I didn’t … Uh sorry” and walks away quickly thinking, Man what a jerk! A better conversation would have been: GODMan “Hey, how you doin.” NDM “Fine. I really like this road. Very unusual for Decatur. Do you know anything about it? ODMan (suddenly feeling better now that someone has tried to engage him in a two way conversation based on mutual respect) “This road dates back to before the Civil War” blah blah blah. Later she brings her husband by. A quick exchange of names and a handshake leaves everyone happy.
So, what am I trying to say? Newbies- stop acting like you know everything. Show a little more respect to the people who have lived here most of their lives. Old Gezzers, be a little kinder to the new guys. Remember, your were just like them years ago, only smarter and better looking.
This very well may be my favorite comment ever on this site.
I’m a firm believer that people should be able to ride their bikes on sidewalks when the streets are not very safe. However, a sidewalk bike rider should ALWAYS ride slowly – walking speed. And they should always give the right-of-way to pedestrians and handicapped.
Old Decatur: Man, I miss the Grog Shop.
New Decatur: Was that a growler store?
Chris Billingsley: You yahoos just better not speed down my unpaved street after drinking your demon alcohol, knocking that dead tree onto my house!
Posts to neighborhood listserve….
Old Oakhurst: The Christmas tree in the park toppled over last night. Who can meet me there at lunchtime to stand it back up and secure it?
New Oakhurst: The Christmas tree in the park fell over. Who do I call to take care of that?
Newer Oakhurst: Christmas tree? Who do I call to protest this governmental support of religion?
Chris Billingley: You…[J_T slowly backs away from the computer, narrowly escaping permanent DM banishment...]
Old Oakhurst:
[knock at the door]
Hey, Rick, gimme five dollars to rake your front yard, man.
Um, Albert, it’s 10 o’clock at night.
Oh, can you loan me your flashlight?
New Oakhurst:
[knock at the door]
Good afternoon sir, my name is Mark—I’m with Better GA and I wanted to talk to you about helping Democrats recapture the GA Legislature . . .
True, this!
Hahahaha! So, does my appreciation of this mean I’m “old” or “new” Decatur? I’ve lost track.
Old Oakhurst:
[knock at the door]
“Hey Missus! How many bags of mistletoe do you want this year? Oh, look, your girl sure is getting tall!”
“I’d like 3 bags and a brick to place on my child’s head to stop them from getting taller than me. Do you need a ride to the grocery, I’m about to go.”
New Oakhurst:
[knock at the door] …
(muffled response) “Sorry, I’m not opening the door to strangers, even if you are a canvasser and just last month your partner was in here getting water and using the restroom.”
…speaking of which, I have once again lost track of the mistletoe man. Is anyone still in touch with him and know if he needs help?